KUALA LUMPUR: RESIDENTS of Jalan Antoi and Jalan Api Api, Kepong Baru, want police to resume operations at a beat base in Jalan Kepong Baru that was abandoned more than 10 years ago.
Built by the developer of the Jalan Antoi residential scheme, it was handed over to the police in 1969. It was abandoned after 18 years.
Early last year, residents assumed that police were going to resume operations because the building was renovated. Much to their disappointment, the premises remained vacant. They have now learned that it was done by irresponsible individuals.
Jalan Antoi Residents Association chairman Low Chin Lai said: “We thought the police beat base was going to be reopened after it was renovated last year.
“It would be convenient for the Kepong Baru residents to lodge reports or seek help in case of emergencies. But nothing has happened.
“There are no police beat bases nearby. The nearest police station is in Jalan Kepong,” he said.
Committee member Stan Chay, 72, said: “Crime is on the rise here. Robberies, burglaries and break-ins are quite frequent in Jalan Antoi. On average, there is at least one a day.
“A police beat base would deter would-be offenders.”
The residents met Kepong Community Service Centre head Yee Poh Ping to discuss the issue recently.
Yee said residents were appealing to the district police chief to look into the matter and allocate manpower and funds to resume operations at the beat base.
He suggested that police officers on patrol make use of the premises for a few hours a day so that the public could have easy access to their services.
Sentul district police chief ACP R. Munusamy said he would look into the matter.